The Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC), the leading anti-poverty agency in the county, recently announced the results of its latest Community Needs Assessment. The needs assessment is conducted every three years to find out what services those in low-income communities need most. The survey determined that 71% of respondents named affordable housing as the leading challenge facing Bucks County. It also found that 45% of renters are currently paying more than 30% of their income for rent. According to the BCOC, some focus group participants are paying rents so high it takes most of their paychecks while working two jobs and they still do not have enough money for food and other necessities. Others say they have waited years for Section 8 housing assistance. Still others face eviction when high deposits and late fees make it impossible for them to catch up. To adjust, BCOC officials said they have improved its Eviction Prevention and Court Mediation programs and strengthened relationships with area landlords. Learn more about BCOC and the needs assessment here.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/11/2024